At the same time, the idealistic (even utopian at times) notions behind various conceptions of the Internet die hard. Weinberger’s comments reflect this. He does not want to conceive of Google as merely another corporation that will do anything to accomplish its primary function, which is to generate returns for its shareholders. It seems to me that the ideological orientations of these major players become more important. What is Google? Is it sincere in its efforts to achieve a compromise between these two Internet models and, if so, can these efforts yield significant results? By significant, I refer to both the fate of the Internet(s) and the form of corporate culture modeled by what is arguably the most important corporate entity operating today. If Google can practice and sustain a more compassionate and multi-faceted form of corporate activity, it may be able to affect the way that various capitalist actors conceive of their endeavors. Were that to occur, it might be more meaningful than the company’s efforts to shape the development of the Internet (not that the two can be separated).

Then again, when I read this post over, it feels hopelessly idealistic to me. Perhaps, I have developed something of a soft spot for the more optimistic visions of the Internet’s potential. Perhaps the new boss is also more like the old boss than I would like to admit.